It was business as usual for Hermes on the resumption of the Hockey League on Saturday when they made it 10 wins out of 10 to stay nine points clear of the chasing pack.
UCD's hopes were all but over after just 12 minutes, by which time Chloe Watkins had converted two penalty corners. Anna O'Flanagan in the third quarter and Naomi Carroll in the fourth completed a comfortable victory.
Railway Union remain second after a fine 3-0 win away to Cork Harlequins. Kate Dillon capitalised on slack defending in the opening quarter to give Railway the lead, with Julia O'Halloran making it 2-0 after half-time, Zara Delany wrapping up the win in the 52nd minute.
Pegasus survived a late scare against Ards to stay within two points of Railway, the Belfast side indebted to Sammy Jo Greer for a fine diving save from a penalty corner that denied Ards a draw. Suzanne Ferris had put Pegasus a goal up after 10 minutes, but Chloe Brown levelled early in the final quarter before Alex Speers finished to make it 2-1.
Come from behind
Pembroke Wanderers moved level on points with UCD with a 3-1 win over Ulster Elks, but had to come from behind after Hannah Irwin had given Elks a lead. UCC, meanwhile, got the better of bottom club Greenfields at the Mardyke, Nicola Kerr getting both their goals in a 2-1 win.
